5 Best Anime With 12 Episodes
Looking for a short yet satisfying anime binge? These 12-episode series pack incredible stories, memorable characters, and exciting worlds into a concise runtime. Perfect for busy fans or anyone who loves quick yet unforgettable adventures, these shows deliver thrills, laughs, and heartfelt moments without dragging things out.
From epic battles to heartwarming friendships, each entry on this list offers something special while staying short and sweet. Whether you're a longtime anime enthusiast or a newcomer, these carefully chosen series will captivate you. Let’s dive into five of the best 12-episode anime, ranked from popular to iconic, and see what makes each unique!
5. Erased
Satoru Fujinuma is an ordinary pizza delivery guy with an extraordinary gift called "Revival." This ability sends him back in time a few minutes to prevent tragedies. But when Satoru is falsely accused of murder, his Revival unexpectedly transports him 18 years into the past.Now as a child, Satoru must navigate 1988 to stop a series of kidnappings, protect his classmate Kayo Hinazuki, and uncover the culprit before it's too late. With its mix of suspense, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, Erased balances mystery and emotion beautifully, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
4. No Game No Life
Siblings Sora and Shiro are unbeatable gamers, ruling the virtual world under their alias "Blank." When challenged by the god Tet, they’re transported to Disboard, a land where all conflicts are resolved through games.Here, rules dictate every aspect of life, from politics to war. Armed with their brilliant strategies, the duo allies with Stephanie Dola, a disgraced princess, to restore humanity’s dwindling status in this fantastical world. The vibrant art, high-stakes challenges, and quirky humor make No Game No Life a standout adventure full of clever twists and unforgettable battles.
3. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Satan, the Demon Lord of Ente Isla, escapes a losing battle with the Hero Emilia by retreating to modern-day Tokyo through a magical portal. Stripped of his powers, he takes on a new identity: Sadao Maou, a part-time employee at a fast-food joint.Juggling work, rent, and encounters with Emilia—now a relentless stalker—Sadao must adapt to his mundane life while plotting a comeback. Hilarious culture clashes, unexpected friendships, and witty writing make The Devil is a Part-Timer! a comedic gem that flips fantasy tropes on their head.
2. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
In the quiet town of Chichibu, childhood friends drift apart after the tragic death of Meiko "Menma" Honma. Years later, the group is reunited when Menma's ghost appears to Jinta Yadomi, their reclusive leader. She asks him to fulfill her forgotten wish so she can move on.The friends confront old wounds and unravel bittersweet memories as they work together to help Menma find peace. Anohana tugs at the heartstrings with its emotional storytelling, making it a poignant tale of friendship, loss, and redemption.
1. Madoka Magica
Madoka Kaname’s life changes when she encounters Kyubey, a mysterious creature offering a contract: gain any wish in exchange for becoming a magical girl to battle witches. Alongside her friend Sayaka Miki, Madoka learns the dark truth behind this seemingly noble offer from the enigmatic Homura Akemi, a transfer student.As the stakes grow higher, Madoka must decide her own fate. With its shocking twists, haunting visuals, and gripping story, Madoka Magicarevolutionized the magical girl genre and remains a masterpiece of storytelling in only 12 episodes.